Sharp as a tack

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. – Titus 2:7,8 (TLB)


Each year we celebrate the birth of the United States and America’s independence. More than just an annual observance for the blessings and benefits of living in this great land, the 4th of July celebration provides a special time of remembrance. 11 years ago, July 4, 1999, Morgan Idella Jones was born - the second child of my daughter Giselle and her husband Ron. Grandpa Fred and Grandma Lillie Jones had the good fortune this time to have both of their children and their families together.

Our son, Rick, was up from Melbourne, Florida for a two -week vacation while Giselle’s summer teaching schedule at Bennett College allowed her to be off on Fridays. For a fun filled, 2-day and 1-night outing, pre-arrangement had been made for them at the Great Wolf’s lodge – just outside the city limits of Charlotte and Concord, NC. So, Giselle and Ron drove up from Jamestown, NC while Rick and Lynette traveled a few miles from Matthews, NC where Lynnette’s parents lives. All of us agreed to meet at a convenient restaurant for a family meal on Friday, July 2nd.

Since my wife and I were on a cruise when Father’s day came around, the kids presented me with a belated gift -a brand new cowboy style hat and several gift cards.
To see if the size would fit, I gently placed it on my head and it felt just right! “How do I look, y’all?" Out of the clear blue, Ashley said, “Grandpa, You’re sharp as a tack! Mama said you always liked hats and this one allows your gray hair [on the sides] to show up too.” Micah, the 8-year-old son of Rick and Lynette, politely asked, “ Granddaddy, can I please try on your new hat?” “Yep,” I replied. “But don’t pull down on the brim (the projecting rim or edge) so I will not have to work too hard to keep it looking good.” I chuckled a bit when he put it on.

Ashley, Morgan, and Eden had their turn, but I was thrown for a loop after little Ron had his chance. He looked up with the hat covering nearly his whole head and blared (to sound loudly) out, “Hey, guys, am I sharp as a tack?” We all smiled of course, but my response was, Whoa! Not only is this 5-year old full of wit (keenness of perception or discernment), but he gives special attention to what is being said! Then again all children are impressionable; so, it is important how adults basically behave around them.

The evening meal was delightful. Sleepy time was drawing near especially as the whole clan was tired out from being in the water since checking in at the lodge around 1:30 PM on Friday. I had moments to reminisce when I got home. The short phrase, Sharp as a tack came to mind again and I could see my youngest grandson’s demeanor (the way one behaves or conducts oneself). I rationalized that perhaps he got everyone’s attention by copycatting his oldest sister’s (Ashley) earlier remark. Whatever may have triggered his reaction, his timing nonetheless was noteworthy and even more how he said it.

“Sharp as a tack” is an idiom, which is a speech form or expression of a given language that is peculiar to itself grammatically or that cannot be understood from the individual meaning of its element. For example, "he may be old in years, but he’s sharp as a tack and knows what he’s talking about" can be typically described as idiomatic. On the other hand, what is the logic behind this sentence? Could it be in this instance that “as sharp as a tack” comparatively links old age with applicable knowledge or wisdom? This could be the case; if so, let’s carry it a bit further.

Could it be that Ron’s question be narrowed down and answered in the following way, "I may be a little guy with a lot to learn, but I’m as sharp as a tack. I’m wearing my grandpa’s hat right now and he can teach me?" I believe this is it! From a spiritual perspective, I got the message. Just as a tack is physically a sharp pointed object with a flat head and can used for the exact purpose it was made for, so is my life [living in accordance to God’s will] to serve as a grandfather model for him to follow. As a good example from this awareness, Titus 2: 7,8 records Paul’s insistence that Titus concentrate on being a good example to those around him so that others might see his good deeds and imitates him. Paul’s life would give his words greater impact. This is a powerful discovery. If you want someone to act a certain way, one should live that way himself or herself. So that he or she will earn the right to be heard and his or her life will reinforce what is being taught. Selah